Upper Airway Syndrome (UAS)

Upper airway syndrome (UAS) is an autosomal recessive disorder described by air resistance caused by skull formation in flat-faced dog breeds. The affected dogs have normal nasal passages and nostrils but suffer from many other anatomical abnormalities, such as mildly elongated soft palates, additional dorsal pharyngeal tissue and abnormal laryngeal mucosa. These changes manifest as respiratory signs of varying severities. Mildly affected dogs usually suffer from snoring and wheezing, meanwhile dogs which are severely affected have been reported to experience severe respiratory distress, collapse and asphyxiation.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: ADAMTS3 gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age.